Events
Workshops, meetings, seminars, certification sessions - no matter which Atlantic province you're in, all local and regional events pertaining to ACI-Atlantic are listed here. For international events, please refer to the American Concrete Institute's primary site (concrete.org).
Feel free to contact us should you require further information.
Upcoming Events
ACI International Spring Convention - Toronto, ON, Canada
When: March 29 - April 3, 2025
Details: concrete.org
Past Events
ACI Atlantic Chapter Winter Event and Annual General Meeting
Canadian Concrete Expo
Low Concrete Compressive Strength Results - Lunch and Learn
Date: April 17, 2024 at Noon (Atlantic)
Presenter: Amy Dowell, PE, Engineer - American Concrete Institute
Abstract: Compressive strength tests are used for concrete acceptance based on criteria defined in ACI 318 and ACI 301. Tests results not meeting these criteria are referred to as low strengths. This presentation covers the “low strengths” topic in detail and provides answers to questions such as: what is considered a strength test and what is not, what the minimum frequency of testing is, what the acceptance criteria for strength tests are, and how to investigate strength tests not meeting the acceptance requirements. In addition, steps needed by a concrete supplier, in case acceptance criteria are not met, will also be discussed. To better understand discussed concepts, the presentation will use statistical concepts and numerical examples. A list of reading resources will be provided for those interested to study it in more detail. Topics covered in this presentation include:
• Definitions related to strength testing
• Methods of sampling, fabrication, handling and curing strength test specimens
• Acceptance criteria for strength tests
• Interpretation of strength test results not meeting acceptance requirements
• Investigation of non-compliant concrete
• Addressing low strength concrete issues in production
Curing is Good - Lunch and Learn
Date: May 15, 2025 at Noon (Atlantic)
Presenter: William J. Gold, P.E., Senior Engineer, American Concrete Institute
Concrete curing is the process by which hydraulic cementitious concrete matures and develops hardened properties over time. It is a result of the continued hydration of the cementitious materials and requires the presence of sufficient water and heat. This presentation will give a short overview of concrete curing. It will mainly focus on external curing of flatwork concrete; however, internal curing will also be briefly discussed. Different curing methods will be reviewed and their effect on desired concrete properties will be presented.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define curing and related terms
2. Recall different curing methods
3. Examine research findings on curing
4. Review minimum curing requirements from ACI, AASHTO, and state DOTs
5. Explain curing timing in relation to construction activities
Concrete Cracking - Lunch and Learn
Date: June 19, 2024 at Noon Atlantic
Presenter: Gregory Zeisler, PE, Engineer - American Concrete Institute
This presentation will cover various aspects related to concrete cracking. This topic is both a contentious and unfortunately, a common issue nationally. Often, the key to addressing cracking issues is learning how to properly determine the cause of the crack so it can be mitigated and prevented in future projects.
Topics covered in this presentation will include:
- Causes and control of cracking
- Evaluation methods
- Mitigation
- Crack repair
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the significance of cracks in concrete
2. Identify the causes and mechanisms of cracking in fresh and hardened concrete
3. Learn about the methods used to assess and evaluate cracks
4. Discuss crack repair considerations
Concrete Sustainability and Resilience - Lunch and Learn
Date: July 17, 2024 at Noon Atlantic
Presenter: Andrea Shokker, PE, Engineer - American Concrete Institute
The presentation provides an overview of low carbon concrete, sustainability, and resilience specific to the concrete industry. Topics include terminology and acronyms, state of the practice, what to expect in the future, legislation and resources.
Introduction to Shotcrete - Lunch and Learn
Date: March 20, 2024 at Noon (Atlantic)
Presenter: Charles Hanskat, P.E., Executive Director and Technical Director for the American Shotcrete Association
This presentation will introduce shotcrete placement in a wide variety of structural and geotechnical concrete applications with a focus on underground applications. Shotcrete is a time-proven method to quickly and cost-effectively place concrete with a minimum of formwork yet meeting or exceeding the strength of form-and-pour concrete construction. Shotcrete inherently provides enhanced sustainability benefits in comparison to form-and-pour concrete and allows the designer maximum flexibility in shape and thickness of their concrete sections.
Attendees will gain a basic understanding of the capabilities and benefits of the shotcrete process in both new and repair applications. The presentation is appropriate for all those involved in the concrete construction industry including Engineers, Architects, Contractors, Inspectors, Material Suppliers and Students.
The seminar will cover:
Definition and History of Shotcrete
Shotcrete Processes (What’s wet-mix, dry-mix, gunite)
Shotcrete Applications with a focus on Underground
Shotcrete Sustainability
Environmental Conditions
Reinforcement Details
Shotcrete Mixtures
Shotcrete Placement
Finishes and Curing
Field Quality Control and Assurance
Qualification of the Shotcrete Team
ACI Certification – Nozzlemen and Inspectors
Useful ASA and ACI References and Resources
Mass Concrete - Lunch and Learn
Date: July 27, 2023
Presenter: Oscar Antommattei, PE (TX, NE), FACI, Concrete, Chief Engineer and Materials Engineering Manager
Kiewit Engineering Group Inc.
Mass concrete (or thermally controlled concrete) commonly requires means and methods to reduce maximum temperature, mitigate temperature difference, among others project specific requirements. Temperature limits can affect mix design selection, reinforcement details, construction operations and even compliance to specifications for mass concrete related work. Many of today’s specifications typically limit temperatures to conservative default values usually referred in industry standards; however, it can be recognized that current standards for mass concrete often do not reflect the current state of knowledge on performance or experience from field practitioners. This frequently results in unfortunate challenging and difficult scenarios during design and construction of mass concrete placements. This presentation focuses on the implementation of today’s knowledge, industry standards and best practices for mass concrete with an overview of design to construction challenges and opportunities in projects from a field practitioners’ perspective. A special emphasis will be given to the updates provided for mass concrete requirements and guidance published in the CSA A23.1-2019.
Transitioning to Portland-Limestone Cement - Webinar - May 11, 2023 at 10 AM ADT
Presentation by Arsenio Gonzalez, Ing., M.Sc.A./P.Eng., M.A.Sc.
"Portland-limestone cement is a more sustainable, lower carbon cement that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 10% while still producing concrete of equivalent performance, including comparable strength and durability, to concrete produced with Portland cement.
Portland-limestone cement’s 10% reduction in CO2 emissions occurs during the cement manufacturing process. While Portland cement may contain up to 5% ground limestone, Portland-limestone cement is made by intergrinding up to 15% limestone, reducing the amount of clinker required. By reducing the amount of clinker used in the manufacturing process, the associated energy demand and process emissions per tonne of PLC is reduced. As a result, the CO2 emissions associated with PLC are less than those of traditional PC, while equivalent performance is maintained." Cement Association Canada
Certification
